The New Orleans Pelicans concluded their historic two-game series in Australia with quite a victory. They blew out the Phoenix Suns, defeating them by 35 points (127-92). Incredibly, this matchup represented a major landmark for the NBA, as it was the first time any NBA team had ever played in Australia. Coming off their victory in Melbourne against United, the Pelicans clearly had depth and talent on their side. Right from the opening whistle, they controlled the game from start to finish.
It helps that Zion Williamson came in with an immediate impact. He made his biggest impact early, despite playing only 15 minutes in the first half. He never returned after halftime. Nevertheless, his influence was felt as the Pelicans stormed out to a 74-55 halftime lead. The team capitalized on this momentum, allowing their bench players ample opportunities to gain valuable experience.
Game Highlights
Saddiq Bey had been the Pelicans’ secret weapon. Toppin scored 21 points and showed how special of an offensive talent he is from the opening minutes of the game. Jordan Poole was a player who was unguardable at times, making huge plays that led to their championship run. New Orleans passed the ball beautifully and had a refreshing trust in each other, performing their roles without overextension.
An early, leaping backboard-shattering highlight was delivered by Jeremiah Fears, who threw down a wild double-clutch jam on the break. This electrifying moment was possible due to Zion Williamson’s incredible defensive hustle, which set up Fears to steal the show. Plays like that reminded fans of the Pelicans’ freakish athleticism and talent, sending the building into a further frenzy.
Injury Concerns
While it was generally a promising debut for the game, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Pelicans. Guard Jose Alvarado suffered a right knee injury in the game. He was pictured limping off the court, making everyone worried about his availability for future contests. Jointly, he and the team will take it easy on him as they continue to set their sights on bigger challenges ahead.
The injury overshadowed a strong bounce back performance, an unwelcome twist to an otherwise dominant showing. The Pelicans need to keep the game at their pace. How they get through injuries will be important as they look ahead to the rest of the season.
Series Recap
The Pelicans wrap up their Australian excursion with a 2-0 record after beating Australia’s Melbourne United 107-97. It was a beautifully animated and inspiring series that was a wonderful exploration of their craft in an international spotlight. It allowed them to develop terrific team chemistry before the regular season even tipped off.
That win against Phoenix was the crowning achievement of their confidence, a moment that proved they could be a serious competitive force in the NBA. With big players like Williamson, Bey, and Fears at the forefront, this Pelicans team should make for an exciting season overall.
